Viburnam replacement after infestation - Ask Extension
The Northern Burgandy Viburnum shrubs I planted in 1995 became infested with either thrips or Viburnam beetle and have to be removed. After several ye...
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Viburnam replacement after infestation #871363
Asked June 03, 2024, 3:47 PM EDT
The Northern Burgandy Viburnum shrubs I planted in 1995 became infested with either thrips or Viburnam beetle and have to be removed. After several years of bugs chewing away the leaves (looked like lace), they died or are dying. We are having the shrubs and stumps removed. Is it a bad idea to plant American Compact Viburnums in the same place? Or should we replant with boxwood? (We have part sun and shade as well as deer in our suburban Minneapolis home. Thanks so much!
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension.
As long as you are not sure what is eating you viburnums, I would advise not replacing them with another viburnum. Boxwood is having problems in other states, so I would advise something else.
Other suggestions for you to check out would be spirea, forsythia, weigela or ninebark. It will depend on the size you want.
Another suggestion would be to plant so “smelly” annuals in front of your shrubs to ward off the deer.
I hope this helps.
